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Aldermore
Aldermore
from Wikipedia

Aldermore Bank plc is a retail bank which provides financial services to small and medium-sized businesses and personal customers. It was founded in 2009 and listed on the London Stock Exchange in March 2015. It was a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index until it was acquired by South African banking conglomerate FirstRand in March 2018.

Key Information

History

[edit]

Aldermore was established with backing from private equity company, AnaCap Financial Partners LLP, in early 2009.[3]

The acquisition of Ruffler Bank in May 2009 provided Aldermore with its banking licence and an asset finance business which was combined with the commercial mortgage business of Base Commercial Mortgages, a small mothballed operation.[4]

AnaCap purchased Cattles Invoice Finance, a factoring business, from Cattles PLC in 2009, and in 2010 the division became part of Aldermore.[5]

It raised £62 million of further investment from a consortium of funds managed by Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Honeywell Capital Management, and the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System in August 2011[6] and it received an additional capital investment from Centerbridge Partners when it issued a £36 million subordinated bond in May 2012.[7]

In 2012 the bank reached its first full year of profits in its third year of operations.[8]

Aldermore was recognised as a challenger bank by the media,[9] and launched a successful initial public offering in March 2015,[3] with an opening market capitalisation of approximately £651 million.[10]

In October 2017 it was announced that Aldermore had agreed to be acquired by South African banking conglomerate FirstRand. The deal valued Aldermore at £1.1bn.[11]

Operations

[edit]

Aldermore provides financial services to small and medium-sized businesses as well as personal customers.[12] Its services include retail and business savings and asset and invoice finance, as well as commercial and residential mortgages.[13]

The bank offers lending across the following areas: asset finance, invoice finance, SME commercial mortgages, buy-to-let mortgages and residential mortgages.[14] Its lending activity is largely funded by the deposits it receives from business and personal savers.[15]

Aldermore has no branch network but serves customers and intermediary partners online, by phone and face to face through its regional offices. It was also the first bank to offer this service and publishes this customer feedback unedited on its website.[16]

The company's board has been chaired by Pat Butler since January 2018.[17] Non-executive directors are Richard Banks, John Hitchens, Harry Kellan, Alan Pullinger, Cathy Turner, Romy Murray, Nicolina Andall and Ruth Handcock.[18]

Affiliations

[edit]

Aldermore is the sponsor of the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB),[19] and a member of the Council of Mortgage Lenders.[20] Aldermore is a member of the following bodies: the British Bankers' Association,[21] the Finance and Leasing Association,[22] the Asset Based Finance Association,[23] the Council of Mortgage Lenders[24] and the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association.[25]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Aldermore PLC is a specialist retail bank in the , founded in 2009 as a multi-product lender focused on providing straightforward savings and lending solutions to underserved markets. It primarily serves small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), property investors, savers, and homeowners through segments including residential mortgages, commercial mortgages, asset finance, and invoice finance. The bank operates exclusively online, by phone, and through broker networks, emphasizing inclusive financial products for self-employed individuals, those with credit challenges, and business owners seeking . Aldermore Group, the parent company, was listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker ALD from 2015 until its acquisition by South Africa's —the continent's largest group by —for approximately £1.1 billion in 2018. This takeover integrated Aldermore with MotoNovo Finance, a motor finance provider with over 40 years of experience, expanding its offerings to include , , and financing. Headquartered in , the bank traces its corporate origins to 1969 under previous names but rebranded and relaunched as Aldermore in 2009 to target specialist lending opportunities post-financial crisis. Notable for its commitment to responsible banking, Aldermore has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Best Places to Work in 2024 for large organizations and adheres to the Principles for Responsible Banking, publishing an annual Report to Society that highlights its contributions to job creation and . With a base exceeding a quarter of a million, it continues to prioritize ambition-driven finance, supporting sectors like property development and discounting while maintaining a strong focus on trust and award-winning savings rates.

History

Founding and Initial Growth

Aldermore was founded in early by AnaCap Financial Partners, a specializing in , through the acquisition of Ruffler Bank, with a recapitalisation of £48.2 million aimed at challenging the dominance of banks by targeting underserved markets such as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and specialist lenders. The bank's establishment came amid the global , positioning it as a focused on niche lending opportunities that larger institutions had overlooked. A key early step was the acquisition of Ruffler Bank in May 2009, which provided Aldermore with a full banking license and an existing asset finance business, enabling rapid operational launch. Following the purchase, Ruffler Bank was rebranded as Aldermore Bank plc, integrating its deposit-taking capabilities with AnaCap's vision for a streamlined, specialist-focused institution. This move marked the first private equity buyout of a UK bank license post-crisis, setting the foundation for expansion. In 2010, Aldermore integrated Cattles Invoice Finance, a factoring and discounting business acquired by AnaCap from the distressed Cattles PLC the previous year, thereby entering the financing market and bolstering its SME support offerings. The bank established its headquarters in , and committed from inception to a branchless model, relying on online platforms and telephone-based services to deliver products efficiently to customers. Aldermore achieved its first profitable year in 2012, after three years of operations, with a strategic emphasis on specialist lending for SMEs, buy-to-let mortgages, and personal savings accounts to build a diversified portfolio. This milestone reflected the success of its targeted approach in a recovering market, where lending grew steadily without physical branches.

IPO and Pre-Acquisition Expansion

Aldermore Group PLC completed its (IPO) on the London Stock Exchange on March 10, 2015, marking its entry into public markets as a focused on underserved segments. The offering priced at 192 pence per share, near the top of the expected range, and raised a total of £226 million through the sale of 118 million shares, including £75 million in new shares issued by the company. At the IPO price, Aldermore achieved a of approximately £651 million and subsequently joined the as a constituent. Post-IPO, Aldermore pursued strategic expansions in its core lending areas to capitalize on its public status and support growth among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Between 2015 and 2017, the bank significantly scaled its asset finance portfolio, with net loans in this segment increasing 17% to £1,573.4 million by the end of 2016, driven by enhanced broker channels and a 60% rise in wholesale lending. Similarly, SME commercial mortgages grew 12% to £929.9 million during the same period, emphasizing direct relationships with professional property investors and owner-occupier SMEs. Although personal loans were part of Aldermore's broader offerings, no major expansion in this area was recorded during 2015–2017, with focus remaining on business-oriented products. The bank's financial performance underscored this scaling, with total operating income reaching £267.5 million in 2016, profit before tax at £128.7 million, and profit after tax attributable to equity shareholders at £93.5 million. Overall net lending grew 22% to £7,504.7 million, reflecting robust demand in targeted markets. Aldermore also strengthened industry ties, maintaining its long-standing sponsorship of the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB), which began around 2010 and included lead sponsorship of events like the 2014 Commercial Finance Expo. By mid-2017, the customer base exceeded 230,000, with retail saver deposits comprising 70% of the £7.3 billion total deposit book and gross loans to customers surpassing £8.1 billion. This pre-acquisition momentum positioned Aldermore for its announced takeover by FirstRand in 2017.

Acquisition by FirstRand and Post-Acquisition Developments

In November 2017, South African financial services group announced its agreement to acquire Aldermore Group for £1.1 billion in cash, offering 313 pence per share to shareholders. The deal, which valued Aldermore at approximately 1.3 times its , was recommended by Aldermore's board as it provided a premium to the prevailing share price and aligned with 's strategy to expand its presence through specialist lending. The acquisition was completed on March 14, 2018, following shareholder approval and regulatory clearances, resulting in Aldermore's delisting from the London and its transition to private ownership under . Post-acquisition, Aldermore was integrated into the FirstRand Group as its primary UK specialist banking franchise, focusing on retail, SME, and buy-to-let lending while retaining significant operational independence to preserve its agile, customer-centric model. This structure allowed Aldermore to leverage FirstRand's global resources for growth without disrupting its established UK operations, with the FirstRand Group's existing UK retail and SME activities folding into Aldermore to create synergies. In 2018, as part of its motor finance expansion, Aldermore began integrating MotoNovo Finance, FirstRand's longstanding UK vehicle finance provider established in 2006, with the merger completing in 2019 to broaden its product portfolio and target the automotive lending market. Aldermore's leadership saw a key transition announced in September 2025, with Steven Cooper, who had served as group CEO since May 2021, stepping down later in the year to pursue opportunities outside banking (subject to regulatory approval); he was succeeded by Raj Makanjee, a 17-year veteran with extensive experience in and operations. Under Cooper's tenure, Aldermore doubled in size, emphasizing sustainable growth and digital enhancements. Recent developments underscore Aldermore's commitment to responsible banking and market responsiveness. In October 2022, the group became a signatory to the Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Principles for Responsible Banking, aligning its strategies with global sustainability goals and enhancing transparency in environmental, social, and governance practices. Throughout 2025, Aldermore introduced new limited edition buy-to-let mortgage products and implemented multiple rate reductions across its residential and buy-to-let ranges, including cuts of up to 0.20% on fixed-rate deals to support borrowers amid economic pressures. For the financial year ending June 30, 2025, Aldermore reported robust performance with lending balances growing 8% to £16.6 billion and deposits up 5% to £17.0 billion, delivering a statutory profit before of £193.5 million despite increased provisions for historical motor redress totaling around £240 million at the group level.

Corporate Structure and Ownership

Parent Company and Group

Aldermore Group was acquired by in March 2018 for approximately £1.1 billion, marking a strategic expansion for the South African provider into the market. , one of South Africa's largest banks by at over £20 billion as of November 2025, operates as a portfolio of integrated businesses. FirstRand's organizational structure divides its operations between and international markets, with core African activities conducted through entities like First National Bank (FNB) and Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), focusing on retail, commercial, and investment banking across and other African countries. Internationally, it leverages FirstRand International, which encompasses UK-based operations including Aldermore, to provide diversified revenue streams beyond the continent. This setup allows FirstRand to manage a universal range of transactional, lending, investment, and insurance products while mitigating regional risks. Within the Group, Aldermore serves as the primary arm for specialist retail and small-to-medium enterprise (SME) banking, offering targeted lending and savings solutions that complement the group's broader portfolio. This positioning enhances 's diversification strategy by establishing a foothold in mature European markets, contributing approximately 10% of the group's overall profits from international activities. The affiliation provides Aldermore with significant benefits, including access to FirstRand's advanced frameworks, , and capital resources, which support scalable growth and financial stability. Despite this integration, Aldermore maintains independent compliance with regulations, authorized by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and regulated by both the PRA and the (FCA).

Subsidiaries and Divisions

Aldermore Group operates through a streamlined structure comprising two primary operating entities: and its wholly owned , MotoNovo Limited. serves as the core entity, focusing on mortgages, savings products, and solutions tailored to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), homeowners, and landlords. MotoNovo Limited, established in 2018 although the traces its origins to 1972 under previous branding, and fully integrated into the group following the 2018 acquisition by , specializes in consumer motor , offering and leasing options for cars, vans, and motorcycles through a network of dealer partners. Internally, Aldermore Group is organized into key divisions that align with its customer-facing operations. The Business Finance division provides asset finance and invoice finance to support SME growth, including equipment leasing and factoring services. The Personal Finance division handles savings accounts and residential mortgages, emphasizing accessible products for individual savers and homebuyers. Complementing these, the Commercial Mortgages division offers specialized lending for buy-to-let properties and commercial , targeting landlords and property investors. As of 30 June 2025, the group manages total assets of approximately £21.1 billion, with the Motor Finance division—primarily through MotoNovo—contributing net loans to customers exceeding £4 billion in vehicle financing. Aldermore Bank plc is authorized by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and regulated by both the PRA and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). MotoNovo Finance Limited is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), ensuring compliance with UK financial standards.

Operations

Business Model

Aldermore operates a branchless banking model, delivering services exclusively through platforms, support, and intermediary networks, which has been in place since its founding in 2009. This approach eliminates the overhead costs associated with physical branches, allowing the bank to offer competitive interest rates on savings and lending products while maintaining accessibility for customers. The bank's target markets primarily consist of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are often underserved by traditional banks, buy-to-let landlords seeking finance, first-time homebuyers requiring flexible options, and personal savers looking for attractive deposit accounts. By focusing on these segments, Aldermore addresses gaps in the broader financial services landscape, providing tailored solutions to support business growth, investment, and individual financial goals. Aldermore's revenue model centers on generated from lending margins in areas such as mortgages and business finance, which is balanced by interest earned on customer savings deposits. In FY2025, reached £597.9 million, contributing to a statutory profit before of £193.5 million. This structure leverages the bank's funding from deposits to support lending activities, ensuring sustainable profitability amid market fluctuations. To enhance its digital capabilities, Aldermore has pursued key technology partnerships, including a collaboration with in February 2025 to upgrade its savings platform and launch new small business savings notice accounts using Temenos SaaS for improved and . Additionally, in May 2025, the bank extended its partnership with Finova for five years to modernize processes, streamlining operations and supporting faster customer service delivery. These initiatives reflect Aldermore's commitment to , consolidating legacy systems into efficient, cloud-based solutions. In terms of , Aldermore became a signatory to the Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Principles for Responsible Banking in October 2022, integrating responsible lending practices into its operations to align with environmental and social goals. This commitment emphasizes assessing the impact of lending decisions on , promoting ethical for SMEs and property sectors while contributing to broader UN .

Products and Services Offered

Aldermore offers a diverse range of personal savings products designed to cater to various saver needs, including fixed-rate bonds, cash Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs), and easy-access accounts with competitive Annual Equivalent Rates (AERs). Fixed-rate savings accounts provide protection against fluctuations, allowing customers to lock in rates for terms such as one or two years, with options like the 1-Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA currently offering 3.91% AER (fixed) for the 1-year term (minimum deposit £1,000, deposits must be made within 14 days of opening, withdrawals allowed but incur a penalty of 90 days' interest, interest calculated daily and paid monthly or at maturity) and the 2-Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA offering an AER of 3.85% as of November 2025 for the 2025/2026 tax year. Easy-access accounts, such as the Double Access Savings Account, enable flexible withdrawals up to twice per year without penalty, while maintaining FSCS protection up to £85,000 per eligible person. Cash ISAs, including the Reward ISA Single Access, permit tax-free savings up to the annual allowance of £20,000, with variable AERs adjusted periodically to remain competitive in 2025. In the mortgage sector, Aldermore specializes in residential, buy-to-let (BTL), and commercial lending, targeting first-time buyers, remortgagers, and specialist landlords. Residential include options for first-time buyers and remortgages, with 2025 updates featuring rate reductions and enhanced affordability criteria to support complex cases, such as a 2-year fixed rate starting from 5.48% as of November 2025; on November 12, 2025, new limited edition rates were launched, including a 2-year fixed zero-fee option at 5.94% up to 85% LTV. Buy-to-let products encompass standard and limited edition deals for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and multi-property portfolios, including a new 5-year fixed rate at 4.87% with a 1.5% fee up to 75% LTV for multi-property portfolios, launched on November 4, 2025. Commercial mortgages provide for property development and investment, with flexible terms up to 20 years and loans up to £50 million, emphasizing SME support. Aldermore's business finance portfolio focuses on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through asset finance, , and structured solutions. Asset finance products include (HP), agreements, Refinance options, and Sale and Hire Purchase/Lease Back, enabling businesses to acquire assets like vehicles, machinery, and equipment with tailored repayment periods. provides confidential or disclosed facilities to improve by advancing up to 90% of values, while structured offers bespoke solutions such as block discounting and facilities for wholesalers. In October 2025, Aldermore introduced the Platinum Broker program for asset finance partners, granting priority access, exclusive rates, and faster decisions up to £150,000 for qualifying brokers to enhance efficiency. Through its subsidiary MotoNovo Finance, Aldermore delivers motor finance products tailored for consumers and businesses, including (HP) and (PCP) agreements for cars, vans, and motorcycles. These options allow flexible financing via dealerships, with terms supporting both personal purchases and commercial fleet needs, backed by over 40 years of specialization in the sector. MotoNovo's integrations ensure seamless funding for new and used vehicles, emphasizing accessibility for a wide range of profiles.

Leadership and Governance

Board of Directors

The of Aldermore Group PLC provides strategic oversight, , and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements from the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Comprising a mix of independent non-executive directors (INEDs) and shareholder non-executive directors (NEDs) from parent company , the board totals 10 members as of 30 June 2025, including eight non-executives, with expertise spanning and international banking, , , and governance. Regular board meetings emphasize risk appetite, strategic execution, and regulatory alignment, supported by dedicated committees such as Audit, Risk, and Remuneration. Pat Butler has served as non-executive Chair since January 2018, bringing extensive experience in restructuring and from prior roles at , , and . He chairs the and Nomination and serves on the , focusing on board composition and executive incentives. Key INEDs include Richard Banks CBE, appointed in September 2020, who chairs the Risk Committee and contributes audit and remuneration oversight with over 40 years in banking, including at UK Asset Resolution; Des Crowley, Senior since May 2020, with 30 years in from and Citi, serving on Audit and Risk Committees; Ruth Handcock, appointed October 2021, offering investment expertise from Octopus Investments and focusing on risk; Romy Murray, appointed August 2021, who chairs the Remuneration Committee with 35 years at and Nomura; and Alasdair Lenman, appointed July 2024 and Audit Committee Chair from March 2025, providing finance leadership from and . Shareholder NEDs ensure alignment with FirstRand Group: Mary Vilakazi, appointed April 2024, as CEO of with prior experience; and Markos Davias, also appointed April 2024, as with backgrounds at RMB and FNB, both contributing to , and Committees. Recent changes include the resignation of INED John Hitchins in May 2025 after 10 years, and the establishment of a Disclosure Committee in April 2025 to address evolving regulatory demands, such as Consumer Duty implementation.
DirectorRoleAppointment DateKey CommitteesExpertise
Pat ButlerChair (Non-Executive)January 2018Corporate Governance & Nomination (Chair), RemunerationRetail banking, risk, restructuring
Richard Banks CBEINEDSeptember 2020Risk (Chair), Audit, RemunerationBanking operations, audit
Des CrowleySenior INEDMay 2020Audit, RiskFinancial services, compliance
Ruth HandcockINEDOctober 2021RiskInvestments, finance
Romy MurrayINEDAugust 2021Remuneration (Chair), Audit, RiskInternational banking
Alasdair LenmanINEDJuly 2024Audit (Chair), RiskCFO experience, building societies
Mary VilakaziNED (Shareholder)April 2024Audit, Risk, RemunerationGroup CEO, auditing
Markos DaviasNED (Shareholder)April 2024Audit, Risk, RemunerationGroup finance, emerging markets

Executive Team

The executive team at Aldermore Group plc oversees the bank's day-to-day operations, with a focus on strategic growth in specialist lending and digital innovation. Raj Makanjee serves as Group Chief Executive, appointed in November 2025 as an following regulatory approval; he brings over 30 years of experience, including roles as and CEO of FNB Retail and at , where he drove retail banking and initiatives. Louise Britnell joined as in September 2025, responsible for finance, treasury, and financial planning; prior to Aldermore, she was at and held senior finance positions at a major UK pension fund and , qualifying as a of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in (ICAEW). Among other senior roles, Oliver Watts was appointed Commercial Director of in October 2025, supporting the expansion of for SMEs within the Business Finance division. Danielle Soto leads as Managing Director of Business Finance and Savings, having joined in 2022 after 20 years at where she managed distribution and . For the Mortgages division, falls under Ross Dalzell as Managing Director of and Strategic Growth, appointed in 2022 with prior expertise in finance from . The current executive team, reporting to the , emphasizes driving —leveraging Makanjee's background—enhancing support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and deepening integration with parent company following its 2018 acquisition of Aldermore. The average tenure of the leadership team at Aldermore is approximately three years, reflecting a post-acquisition emphasis on fresh expertise in specialist banking.

Affiliations and Partnerships

Industry Memberships

Aldermore Bank is a member of UK Finance, the leading for the UK banking and financial services industry, which was formed in 2017 through the merger of the (BBA) and the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML). As a member since its early years under the BBA and continuing through the CML affiliation, Aldermore participates in advocacy efforts to shape policies supporting small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) lending, including contributions to industry reports on access to finance for underserved businesses. Through this membership, the bank influences mortgage lending standards and broader regulatory frameworks for retail and commercial banking in the UK. Aldermore has been a sponsor and partner of the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) since 2015, providing ongoing support for broker and training programs. This partnership includes sponsorship of NACFB events and initiatives aimed at enhancing standards in commercial finance broking, such as awards and expos that promote best practices among intermediaries. In October 2022, Aldermore Group became a signatory to the Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Principles for Responsible Banking, committing to align its business strategy with the and the on climate change. As part of this commitment, the bank publishes annual progress reports through its "Report to Society" document, detailing actions on sustainability impacts, , and in responsible banking practices. Aldermore Bank is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) as a full-scope institution and dually regulated by the and PRA, ensuring compliance with UK prudential standards for deposit-taking and lending activities. The bank adheres to capital and liquidity requirements as implemented by the PRA, with regular Pillar 3 disclosures reporting on , capital adequacy, and leverage ratios to maintain .

Key Collaborations

Aldermore has forged several strategic partnerships with providers to enhance its digital capabilities and . In May 2025, the bank extended its partnership with Finova for five years, adopting the Finova Lending SaaS-based platform to streamline cloud-based processes, thereby improving time-to-offer and operational efficiencies for its mortgage offerings. Similarly, in February 2025, Aldermore selected SaaS to modernize its savings operations, initially launching new savings notice accounts and planning to migrate existing savings accounts, consolidating legacy systems into a single platform for enhanced scalability. To strengthen ties with intermediaries, Aldermore launched the Platinum Broker Proposition in October 2025, a program recognizing top-performing asset finance brokers with enhanced support, including priority access to teams, dedicated account management, and exclusive events to foster and growth. Complementing this, in July 2023, Aldermore announced three key pledges to brokers: providing at least one full working day's notice for product withdrawals, 10 days to convert Decision in Principle (DIP) applications, and dedicated support lines for case escalations, commitments that underscore its broker-centric approach. Among other notable collaborations, Aldermore partnered with Cashplus Bank in October 2021 to integrate seamless business savings solutions for SMEs, allowing Cashplus customers to access Aldermore's competitive savings accounts directly through their platform, an arrangement that remains ongoing to simplify savings management for time-poor businesses. In September 2024, Aldermore collaborated with Norwich City Football Club and the on a socio-economic impact study, revealing the club's role in generating over £11 million in local business revenue and supporting SME growth in the region, highlighting Aldermore's commitment to community economic initiatives. Additionally, in November 2024, Aldermore worked with (through its Sourced Group) to optimize its new Azure cloud infrastructure, achieving significant monthly cloud cost reductions while ensuring reliable performance for customer-facing services.

References

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